The Black Maternal Health Crisis: Understanding Preeclampsia and Eclampsia 

The United States has the highest maternal mortality rates compared to other developed nations. As many know, Black women face the brunt of this issue. Black women experience a threefold higher risk of mortality due to pregnancy-related causes compared to their White counterparts. Even more disheartening, approximately 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. Olympian medalist Torie Bowie is one of the latest victims of maternal mortality. Autopsies reveal Bowie most likely died of eclampsia. Continue reading to get a better understanding of eclampsia and its antecedent, preeclampsia.

What is preeclampsia and eclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a blood pressure disorder that impacts several organs with typical onset after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Hallmarks of preeclampsia may include swelling of the face and hands, persistent headache, seeing spots or changes in vision, and difficulty breathing. More severe symptoms may develop which may include high blood pressure and changes in kidney or liver function.  When preeclampsia progresses and leads to seizures, it is referred to as eclampsia. Women with previously diagnosed preeclampsia, diabetes, kidney disease, autoimmune disease, or carrying multiple fetuses (e.g. twins or triplets) are at higher risk of disease.⁴ A provider may diagnose a patient with preeclampsia after assessment of blood pressure, urine protein, and blood platelet count.

I have preeclampsia, now what?

Preeclampsia is a serious condition and should be managed under the direction of a provider. However, do not be dismayed! Alongside your provider’s treatment plan, there are various opportunities to take ownership of your health. Investing in a blood pressure machine is a simple yet effective way to stay on top of your blood pressure readings. Taking blood pressure readings daily in the comfort of your home is a great way to recognize any sudden changes in pressure. Starting low-dose aspirin at approximately 12-16 weeks of pregnancy has been shown to decrease your risk or delay the onset of preeclampsia… Most importantly, be in tune with your body! If you feel your symptoms are worsening, do not delay the visit to your healthcare provider!

In the midst of managing preeclampsia, it is important to have a trusted provider. At Trust Women’s Healthcare, you can put your confidence in our patient care team to provide you with quality care. Schedule an appointment with us to assist in managing your prenatal health!

Olympic Gold-Medalist, Torie Bowie. Source: Matthias Hangst/Getty Images

 Munira Z. Gunja, Evan D. Gumas, and Reginald D. Williams II, “The U.S. Maternal Mortality Crisis Continues to Worsen: An International Comparison,” To the Point (blog), Commonwealth Fund, Dec. 1, 2022. https://doi.org/10.26099/8vem-fc65

Working Together to Reduce Black Maternal Mortality | Health Equity Features | CDC. Published April 27, 2023. Accessed June 23, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/features/maternal-mortality/index.html

Chappell B. Tori Bowie, an elite Olympic athlete, died of complications from childbirth. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2023/06/13/1181971448/tori-bowie-an-elite-olympic-athlete-died-of-complications-from-childbirth. Published June 13, 2023. Accessed June 23, 2023.

Preeclampsia and High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy. Accessed June 23, 2023. https://www.acog.org/en/womens-health/faqs/preeclampsia-and-high-blood-pressure-during-pregnancy

Multiple Pregnancy. Accessed June 23, 2023. https://www.acog.org/en/womens-health/faqs/multiple-pregnancy

About Dr. Peggy Roberts:

Dr. Peggy Roberts is a board certified, New York licensed Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. She has spent over a decade caring for women of all ages. She has extensive experience in preventative medicine for women, high-risk pregnancies, other medicine and aesthetics.

Media Contact:

Lana Schupbach
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